Atomic Number
40
Element 40
Zirconium (Zr)
Zirconium is a chemical element with symbol Zr and atomic number 40. The name zirconium is taken from the name of the mineral zircon, the most important source of zirconium.
Atomic Mass
91.224 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
5
Group
Group 4: titanium group
Phase
solid
Density
6.52 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 10, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 40. Electrons: 40. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d²
Why Zirconium Matters
Zirconium helps connect atomic number 40, transition metal behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 91.224 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Zirconium was discovered 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth. Zirconium is a chemical element with symbol Zr and atomic number 40. The name zirconium is taken from the name of the mineral zircon, the most important source of zirconium.
Safety and Handling Context
Zirconium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Zirconium?
- Zirconium has atomic number 40, which means a neutral atom has 40 protons and 40 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Zirconium?
- The chemical symbol for Zirconium is Zr.
- What category is Zirconium in?
- Zirconium is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Zirconium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Zirconium to neighboring elements without losing your place.